The Kennebunks have some of the best beaches in southern Maine, but they are run by two different towns with two different sets of rules. A parking pass for one town will not work at the other town’s beach. This guide sorts out which beach is which, how parking works and when dogs are allowed.
Bringing a dog? See our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Maine for the rules beach by beach.
Quick Answers
- Do I need a parking pass? Yes, at Kennebunk’s beaches and at Goose Rocks Beach. Colony Beach does not need one.
- Dogs at Kennebunk beaches: From June 15 through Labor Day, only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. From the day after Labor Day through June 14, any time.
- Can one pass cover both towns? No. Kennebunk passes are not valid at Goose Rocks.
- Gooch’s Beach: Long, wide sand with lifeguards in summer.
- Middle Beach: Rockier than the others, and a good place to walk and look for shells.
- Mother’s Beach: Sandy and sheltered, with lifeguards and a public playground, which makes it a favorite with young children.
- Young children: Mother’s Beach.
- A long sandy walk: Gooch’s Beach or Goose Rocks.
- No pass and a view: Colony Beach.
- Dogs in summer: Go early or late at the Kennebunk beaches.
Kennebunk Beaches (Beach Avenue)
Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach and Mother’s Beach run along Beach Avenue, and they are the beaches most visitors mean when they say Kennebunk Beach.
Parking: A beach pass is required. Visitors can buy a day, week or season pass at the kiosks on the beaches, through the Passport Parking app, or at Kennebunk Town Hall. Check the town’s beach page for current prices before you go.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed at Gooch’s, Middle and Mother’s beaches, and on part of Parsons Beach. From June 15 through Labor Day they are allowed only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. From the day after Labor Day through June 14 they are allowed at any time. They must be under voice control or on a leash. Follow the posted signs at Parsons Beach.
Lifeguards: Gooch’s and Mother’s have lifeguards through the summer season.
Goose Rocks Beach (Kennebunkport)
Goose Rocks Beach is on Kings Highway, off Route 9, north of Cape Porpoise. It is a long, smooth, sandy beach with a view of Timber Island, and it has a quieter, more residential feel than the Kennebunk beaches.
Parking: Stickers are required from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kennebunkport residents pay $10. Visitors pay $30 for a day, $125 for a week or $250 for the season, according to the town’s sticker sheet. Daily and weekly stickers come from the kiosks at the Goose Rocks Beach General Store and at Proctor and Kings Highway (card only). Seasonal stickers are sold at Kennebunkport Town Hall.
Colony Beach
Colony Beach is off Ocean Avenue near the Colony Hotel. It is rocky rather than sandy, so it is better for watching waves and exploring the rocks than for a long swim. No pass is needed.
Beach Wheelchairs
Beach wheelchairs can be rented for a small fee through Kennebunk Recreation at (207) 604-1335 or Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation at (207) 967-4304.
Which Beach Should You Choose?
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
See the Kennebunk guide and our things to do in Kennebunkport. With children, read Kennebunkport with kids. Comparing towns? See Kennebunk versus Kennebunkport and Kennebunk versus Wells. More beach guides: Wells Beach, Ogunquit Beach and the best beaches in Maine.
Kennebunk Beaches FAQ
Are dogs allowed on Kennebunk Beach?
Yes. In summer (June 15 through Labor Day) only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.; the rest of the year any time.
Which Kennebunk beach is best for kids?
Mother’s Beach, which has lifeguards and a playground.
Is parking free at Goose Rocks Beach?
No. A sticker is required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.